I would definitely recommend JayWay to anyone thinking of visiting Romania and Bulgaria! A great itinerary and everyone we met through the company were the best!!
- Ed, Paul & Jonathan - New York
Custom tour packagesBulgaria
Popular itineraries for Bulgaria
Our suggested itineraries in Bulgaria and neighboring countries allow you to enjoy a multi-destination tour with ease. Our comprehensive tailored trip packages make traveling throughout the region hassle-free. We've got Bulgaria vacation ideas that allow you to combine time in historic inland destinations such as Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo with a stay on the Black Sea coast. If multi-country trips are more your style, then you will find that Bulgaria combines neatly with neighbors Romania and North Macedonia. For each of these itineraries you can get a rough idea of the price using the Price Guide function.
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Where to go in Bulgaria?
SofiaBe captivated by the capital city’s grand architecture, historical landmarks, and urban charm
PlovdivDiscover the rich heritage of one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements
Veliko TarnovoGet to know Bulgaria’s City of The Tsars, a destination steeped in history, culture, and traditionsGlowing Reviews From Our Guests
The JayWay Travel experience is customized and personalized. Each trip will be unique to you and it is a wonderful way to ensure you focus on what matters most while travelling (sights, activities, etc.) rather than booking hotels, transfers, etc. that take up so much of your time and energy.
- Todd & Jennifer - Ontario
You are the kings and queens of travel!
- Dale, Anne & John - Arizona
One of the largest Balkan countries, Bulgaria is proud of its rich culture. This makes it an ideal destination for a unique vacation. Art, music, cuisine, and wildlife: Bulgaria has something for every traveler’s taste. Bulgaria joined the EU in 2007. It isn't yet in the Schengen Area. You won't find the Euro here either. The country's currency, the Lev, is pegged to it though. Bulgaria’s central location in the Balkans makes it an ideal starting point for exploration. Romania and Macedonia are two other countries to see while visiting Bulgaria.
Bulgaria's best destinations
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has distinct districts. It's perfect for seeing on foot. You'll find many sights to enjoy, such as grand churches and Habsburg-style buildings with stunning architecture. You'll find something around every corner. Plus, the culinary scene is cutting-edge, yet affordable. The Rila Monastery is a top destination in Bulgaria. It's an easy day trip from Sofia. Plovdiv is another scenic city to explore, making the overnight excursion after visiting Sofia, with its Greek ruins and Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Veliko Tarnovo makes an ideal stop between Bucharest and Sofia or Plovdiv. Bulgaria's medieval capital, the city offers an impressive fortress, but we think you'll fall in love with its cliffside homes, striking views, and wine.
Along the coast, you'll find some of Europe's oldest continually inhabited towns, offering millennia of history, alongside beautiful scenery. Bulgaria's third largest city, Varna has it all, from 7,000 years of history to beaches, thermal baths, the sprawling "Sea Gardens," and great potential for day trips. Located between several lakes and the sea, Burgasis a bit smaller, but offers many of the same treats, and ranks higher than Varna in Bulgarian competitions. UNESCO-listed Nessebar concentrates a lot of beauty (especially Bulgarian Revival homes) and history into a small peninsula, which was an island during Greek times. Nessebar's older rival, Sozopol is quieter but offers plenty of stunning sea views and charming architecture, amid reminders of its time as an ancient regional power.
Old world charm and outdoor options
The cities of Bulgaria combine history with romance. They offer enough sights and activities to keep you busy for a long stay. Sofia mixes Old World charm with modern convenience. It's a destination that caters to many interests. The countryside is also inviting. The hiking is great and the terrain is diverse. Explore mountains, rivers, and coastline.
Get your customized Bulgarian trip plan
Hotels in Bulgaria are comfortable and affordable. Our local guides will be on-hand to assist all vacationers. Wherever you want to travel in Bulgaria, we can make it happen. Visit Sofia, Plovdiv and more. Contact us for a free travel consultation and we'll start preparing the perfect Bulgaria vacation package for you.Frequently Asked Questionsabout Travel to Bulgaria
When is the best time to visit Bulgaria?
Bulgarian summers are fairly warm and sunny, with highs generally in the upper 80s in Plovdiv, and low 80s in Sofia and along the coast (Sofia’s elevation and the coast’s breezes help keep things cool). Winters are cold and generally snowy. Spring and fall often mean large temperature shifts, with fall being drier. Thunderstorms are fairly common in late spring and early summer. We tend to recommend visiting from late April to mid-June, or from early September to mid-October.
Is Bulgaria safe?
Bulgaria is generally safe, but exercise caution when crossing the street, and check cab prices before entering. Violent crime is rare, but beware of pickpockets on public transportation. Car theft is relatively common, so do not leave anything valuable in a rental car, and if possible, park in a garage or hotel parking area, instead of on the street.
Can I pay with a card in Bulgaria?
Although many businesses in city centers take cards, Bulgaria is still primarily a cash economy, so we recommend having cash on hand, especially if going to a restaurant. It’s best to get local money at an ATM, so ask your hotel staff for a nearby ATM that is safe and doesn’t charge unreasonable fees.
What is Bulgarian cuisine like?
Bulgarian cuisine is diverse, with Balkan, Persian, Turkish, and Greek influences. Bulgarians are fond of dairy, especially yogurt and cheese similar to feta. The country is famous for its heaping salads, especially Shopska salad, which combines tomatoes, diced and salted vegetables, vinegar and sunflower oil dressing, and plenty of salty cheese akin to feta. Bulgarians are creative with their vegetables, especially when it comes to stuffed cabbage or grape leaves, or cold cucumber soup. Grilled meat is popular, as is lamb roasted on a spit.
Bulgaria has diverse, excellent wines. Many villages have communal grape vines, which can run for blocks at a time. Rakia (fruit brandy) is also common. Often homemade, different regions are known for using different fruits, with the Valley of the Roses naturally distilling unique rose Rakia. The tap water is generally drinkable in cities.
What is transportation like in Bulgaria?
As drivers charge low rates, we recommend the private transfers we offer, which can include stops along the way. Bulgarians tend to travel by bus, although online timetables are often out of date, ticket agents and bus drivers rarely speak languages other than Bulgarian or Russian, and signs are almost always only written in Cyrillic. There are some modern trains, but generally trains are old and in poor shape, especially in terms of toilets. Road signs are almost exclusively written in Cyrillic, roads can be in bad shape, and there are problems with car theft, so we recommend against a rental car.
